Online gambling tips

Almost all the rules of brick and mortar casinos apply online. We’ve broken the rules down in the following top tips:

1. Remember to use bankroll management

Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Set win and loss limits and stick to them. If you are down by twenty units or more in a session, stop playing. Likewise, don’t get greedy. If you are up on your buy-in amount by a satisfactory figure, stop playing and withdraw your winnings.

2. Choose a reputable casino

Only play at reputable, trusted casinos. All of the casinos recommended by learnblackjackstrategy.com have been independently assessed by the casinomeister and wizardofodds. We will not recommend a casino that we do not believe is entirely reputable. Trustworthy casinos will also be registered with eCOGRA, the online gaming watchdog. If in doubt, check the eCORGA database to make sure.

Before depositing a cent (or penny) you are perfectly entitled to give the customer services number for the casino a call. Do they answer promptly, and are the staff friendly when dealing with your queries? Support telephone numbers should be freephone, and email or live chat options should also be offered. Satisfy yourself before depositing your cash.

3. Play a decent game

Game selection can mean the difference between a winning and losing session. Play with the least number of decks possible and try to get other advantageous rules (dealer stands on soft 17, double after split, double any two cards, split any two cards, etc.) There are also a number of blackjack game variants including super fun 21, Spanish 21, double attack, etc. Learn the rules of these game variants before playing. Do not assume you can use the same blackjack basic strategy with these games. Often you cannot.

4. Take advantage of bonuses and offers

It makes sense to take advantage of any bonuses the casinos are willing to offer to you. Just make sure you understand any wagering requirements before accepting the bonus. Sometimes you cannot withdraw the bonus (or your own money) before both have been wagered several times. 40 times (deposit + bonus) are not uncommon bonus wagering stipulations.

5. Use ‘free play’ modes to get a feel for the game before depositing

Online casinos use several different software providers for their games, all of which are slightly different. By playing in free play mode you get an idea where the hit, stand, double and split options are located and avoid any costly mistakes. Once you have played at several different casinos you will get a feel for the different software packages and this step may not be necessary.

6. Check that you can deposit and play in your local currency.

Sometimes casinos will only use US dollars or another currency. If this is a problem for you, check if the casino has a portal specific to your country. Many of the larger casino operators have portals for several different countries and allow deposit and play in various currencies. Likewise check that you can deposit and withdraw by a method that suits you, that will not incur high charges, and that will be a relatively quick process.

7. Do not be surprised if the casino requests proof of ID

ID is often requested by casinos before they allow you to deposit or withdraw for the first time. These checks ensure that it is legal for you to gamble in your country, that you are of legal gambling age and that you have ID that matches your deposit method. These checks are for your security and should not be seen as an inconvenience. Often, simply emailing the security department a scan of your passport is sufficient for their purposes. You should not be asked twice for ID by the same casino as your details will be stored ready for the next time you play.

8. Forget about card counting, shuffle tracking, clumping or other advanced strategies

Simply put, these don’t work online because decks are ‘shuffled’ continuously. Don’t waste your time. Remember that you should never take insurance unless you are counting, so never take insurance online.

9. Use a strategy card that is specific to the game you are playing

Learnblackjackstrategy kindly provides you with a number of different strategy cards for all kinds of blackjack games you might play online. If you are playing pontoon, use the pontoon strategy card. If you are playing Betfair’s zero edge blackjack, use that strategy card. You get the idea! No one can see that you are referring to a strategy card online, and continual practice is an excellent way to learn and memorise the charts. Become accustomed to using the basic strategy chart to inform all of your playing decisions.

10. Remember to have fun

Blackjack is a fantastic game to play. It can be enormously fun, and the player always has the opportunity to improve their game. Keep practicing and always enjoy the game. Remember, blackjack is a game of ups and downs. You will sometimes hit a losing streak. Just don’t lose more than you can afford to spend on a night’s entertainment. Keep a clear mind, maintain a positive attitude and enjoy yourself.

A final point to remember is that playing online can easily become a compulsion. If you feel that your play is starting to affect your home or work life, it may be time to seek help. Read our responsible gambling guide for information about organisations that can offer professional advice and support.